Thomas Jefferson High School takes regional Science Bowl competition at JLab for 4th year running

The Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Science Bowl 2005 team includes (front row, left to right): Coach Sharon Baker, Charlotte Seid, Sam Lederer and Lisa Marrone, and (back row, l. to r.): Matthew Isakowitz and Logan Kearsley.Photos by Steve Gagnon, JLab Science Education

Thomas Jefferson High School takes regional Science Bowl competition at JLab for 4th year running

February 17, 2005

The intensity was palpable. Sixteen rounds of multiple choice and short answer science and math questions conducted over eight hours culminated in an academic face off between the reigning champs, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) and Princess Anne High School on Feb. 12 at the Virginia Regional Science Bowl.

Once again TJHSST dominated the Virginia Regional High School Science Bowl. The team has won both the regional tournament and the national competition for the last three years. Now, with a fourth regional win under the team's belt, it is poised to defend its grip on the national title.

Finishing in first, the TJHSST team, from Alexandria, Va., took home a check for $1,000 for its school, a team trophy, and individual medallions. The team will now compete at the Science Bowl Nationals in Washington, D.C., April 28 - May 2. The second place trophy and a $750 check for its school went to the Princess Anne team from Virginia Beach, Va. For third place, the Charlottesville High School team from Charlottesville, Va., received a $500 check and a team trophy. The fourth place trophy went to Kempsville High School, also from Virginia Beach.

"The scientific knowledge and understanding they demonstrated were incredible and the energy and excitement was fantastic," said Jan Tyler, Jefferson Lab Science Education manager. "An event like this is a great way to promote education, academic excellence and an interest in math and science. These events give us the opportunity to encourage and motivate young minds. By hosting the regional science bowl, Jefferson Lab is able to show support for science education in Virginia and to encourage our youth to pursue a higher education and careers in science and math."

This is the fourth year running that the Department of Energy's Jefferson Lab has hosted the Virginia Regional Science Bowl. This nation-wide, academic competition among teams of students has been sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy for the past 15 years. Each team is made up of four to five students and a teacher who serves as an advisor and coach. Contestants answer multiple choice and short answer questions in the categories of chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, astronomy, and the general, earth and computer sciences.

Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility’s (Jefferson Lab’s) basic mission is to provide forefront scientific facilities, opportunities and leadership essential for discovering the fundamental structure of nuclear matter; to partner in industry to apply its advanced technology; and to serve the nation and its communities through education and public outreach. Jefferson Lab, located at 12000 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, Virginia, is a Department of Energy Office of Science research facility managed by the Southeastern Universities Research Association.